Justice Velia J. Meza

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Justice Velia J. Meza serves on the Texas Fourth Court of Appeals and took office on January 1, 2025. She earned a degree in Economics from Columbia University in New York City and returned to Texas to earn her Juris Doctor from St. Mary's University School of Law.

Following law school, Justice Meza practiced throughout South Texas for 17 years, handling criminal, family, and other civil matters. She was subsequently elected Judge of the 226th Criminal District Court of Bexar County, where she served for six years.

In 2025, Justice Meza was one of only 19 inaugural judges in Texas to earn Board Certification in Judicial Administration, a distinction recognizing expertise in judicial leadership, court administration, and the effective management of the judicial system. The certification also requires extensive knowledge of substantive law and procedure in both civil and criminal matters.

In addition to her judicial service, Justice Meza contributes to legal education as an adjunct professor at St. Mary's University School of Law and the University of Texas at San Antonio. She has served on the Texas Center for the Judiciary Board and currently serves on several State Bar of Texas committees dedicated to improving and supporting the Texas judiciary.

Justice Meza has been married to her husband, Cesar, for 22 years and is the proud mother of three boys. Together, they enjoy spending time outdoors and traveling as a family.

• •     Michael Burton
  •     Daniel Elizondo